Montana and Wyoming
"There is nothing so American as our national parks… the fundamental idea behind the parks…is that the country belongs to the people." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt
About the Trip
In July of 1992, my parents planned an epic adventure. They packed our GMC Suburban to the brim, threw us in the backseat and started to drive west. I was 11, my brother was 8 and my sister had just turned 5. We had no idea what was about to happen but looking back I can honestly say that within the two weeks of that trip, I would fall in love with traveling and those magnificent Rocky Mountains.
One of the most amazing memories I have from that trip is camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was incredible! We watched wildlife walk through our campsite (yes, we feed them potato chips), we got to stand on top of the highest peaks and literally touch the clouds that blew threw our fingers and at night we would become transfixed on the stars that took over the sky. The National Park Service has provided opportunities just like this to families all across the country for last 100 years.
This May, I decided that I would celebrate the National Park Service 100th birthday (we all know I love a birthday) with a solo trip to Glacier National Park in Montana and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
For 14 days, I will drive 1,748 miles through Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming looking for adventure. I will have my (sweet) Nikon D5500 camera, my brothers waterproof GoPro, a tent, some snacks and a fly rod. I know this trip makes a lot of people nervous but don't worry, I'm nervous too!
Below is where I will update you on my adventure. I have provided a schedule so you know where I am each day. If you're on social media (who's not), you can also follow me on Snapchat (turnlepage), Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping. Diverse wildlife ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears.
Montana Trip Schedule
August 27: Arrive in Salt Lake City, UT
August 28: Drive from Salt Lake City, UT to Missoula, MT
August 29: Fly Fish | Drive from Missoula to Glacier National Park
August 30: Whitewater Rafting | Glacier National Park
August 31: Day Hikes | Glacier National Park
September 1: Going-To-The-Sun-Road and St. Mary's | Glacier National Park
September 2: Pack Up | Drive from Glacier National Park to Clark, WY
Yellowstone national Park
Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-sq.-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho too. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It's also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.
WYOMING TRIP SCHEDULE
September 3: Yurt in Clark, WY
September 4: Yurt in Clark, WY | Drive into Yellowstone National Park
September 5: Day Hikes | Flyfish | Yellowstone National Park
September 6: Old Faithful Geyser | ATV in West Yellowstone National Park
September 7: Flyfish | Explore | Yellowstone National Park
September 8: Pack Up | Drive to Grand Teton National Park
September 9: Back in Salt Lake City
